Day Habilitation Program
Empowering Individuals, Enriching Lives
Welcome to the Hearten Day Program! Our mission goes beyond providing a safe and nurturing environment for adults with developmental disabilities; we are dedicated to empowering each participant to unlock their potential and gain essential life skills. Here’s how we achieve that mission every day:
READY TO JOIN OUR
HAMILTON DAY PROGRAM
Our program services is approved & funded by NJ DDD/Medicaid
Independent Living Skills
At Hearten, we believe that independence is achieved through practical experience. Our participants engage in hands-on learning, where they practice day-to-day skills such as cooking, budgeting, and personal care. Guided by our knowledgeable staff, individuals learn to navigate tasks with confidence and creativity. Weekly “Home Skills” classes provide participants with the chance to manage their own cooking nights, experimenting with different cuisines while understanding nutrition and healthy meal preparation.
Social Skills Training
Social skills training is an exciting and positive way to help adults with developmental disabilities at Hearten improve relationships and daily interactions. We masterfully incorporate lessons on vital interpersonal skills, social problem-solving techniques, and active listening strategies into each day's activities. Participants steadily build confidence and competence as they progress to increase social skills.
Collaborative Projects
At Hearten, creativity flourishes through collaborative projects. Ranging from art and gardening to technology initiatives, each project encourages teamwork and self-expression. Participants work together to create murals that capture their experiences, maintain a community garden that contributes to local food pantries, or develop skills in digital media to advocate for disability awareness. These projects not only nurture personal growth but build lasting relationships with fellow participants.
Self-Advocacy Training
Self-advocacy training at Hearten helps participants recognize and communicate their strengths, interests, skills, talents, and needs. This training is essential because it boosts their confidence, enabling them to make decisions that reflect their desires and necessities. Through our weekly shopping outings, participants practice independence by choosing items they want to add to the shopping list and then selecting those items from the store shelves to place in the cart.
Physical Fitness
At Hearten, we kick off our mornings with fun group workouts that keep our energy levels high throughout the day. Our main aim is to make health and fitness a part of everyone’s daily routine, both in the program and at home. We frequently head to the YMCA to play basketball and swim. On nice days, we enjoy going to the park. Being young and active, we love staying lively and engaged.
Recreational Activities
The Hearten Day Program focuses on broadening experiences through community engagement. Regular outings give participants the chance to discover local sights, join events, and take part in fun activities. These experiences help them practice social skills and build relationships beyond the program. Whether they are at the farmer's market, enjoying a day in the park, or helping out with community service, each outing fosters a sense of belonging and highlights the importance of being part of the community.
Vocational Training
Our dedicated vocational training program is tailored to help participants identify their strengths and interests. Through partnerships with local businesses, individuals can explore job readiness skills, workplace etiquette, and effective communication strategies. Mock interviews, résumé writing workshops, and networking opportunities prepare them for meaningful employment. We also provide incentives for real work experiences, celebrated with “Success Stories” gatherings, where participants share their workplace achievements with peers and families.
Community Based Instructions
Community-Based Instructions are carried out in real-life settings. Participants apply the skills they have learned in their daily activities. By going shopping and eating at local restaurants, they can buy things, handle their money, and order food from menus in actual environments.